New Utility Rates Take Effect In St. Pete: City

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — New utility rates took effect Sunday for St. Petersburg residents and business owners, according to a city news release.

Sanitation customers will see a $1.32 increase monthly, while potable water customers will see a $2.64 rate change, the city shared on its website.

Wastewater customers will see a $7.04 monthly increase. Reclaimed water customers will see an increase of $2.67, while stormwater customers will see an increase of $9.51 to $11.79 each month.

Find more details about the rate changes on the city’s website.

Between July and September, the St. Petersburg City Council considered adjustments to water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, and sanitation utility rates and charges for fiscal year 2024, which began Oct. 1. Final adoption of the new rates were approved Sept. 7 at a public hearing.

The city evaluates and updates utility rates and charges annually.

“Utility fees support the continued efforts to increase the capacity and reliability of St. Pete's water resources, sanitation and stormwater utilities,” the city said. “Fees also support the operations, maintenance and infrastructure of those utilities. Utility fees are vitally important in supporting St. Pete's aging infrastructure, most of which has reached or exceeded its design lifespan.”

The city is working on existing projects within St. Pete’s Water Plan, a multi-year capital improvements master plan, as well as other projects.

“To maintain and preserve our infrastructure, continued investment is required,” the city said. “Utility fees will continue to be evaluated every year to support the continued investment in these capital infrastructure projects, as well as overall operations and maintenance to ensure safe, reliable service.”